Obituary: Bobby R. Woody

Nov. 25, 1930 - Sept. 20, 2008

Nov. 25, 1930 - Sept. 20, 2008

September 27, 2008

MISHAWAKA - Bobby Ray Woody, 77, of Mishawaka, left this world for a better place at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, in Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, while recuperating from surgery for an aortic abdominal aneurysm. Bobby was born the third of six children on November 25, 1930, in Florence, Alabama, to the union of Enoch and Jimmie Louise (Risner) Woody. Both parents preceded him in death. Surviving siblings are Mae Andrews, Donna Fay Scallon, both of New Orleans Parrish, LA, and Richard (Pat) Woody of Meridanville, Alabama. A sister, Helen Woody, and a brother, L.E. (Mary) Woody, preceded him in death. When Bob was just 11 years old, his father died of strep throat and as the oldest son he stepped up to support his family. He worked in grocery stores, as a milkman and any other means he could find. This was to characterize his actions for the rest of his life. He always went the extra mile when it came to his family. He was a family man to the end. When he was discharged from the Navy at age 19, he returned home to elope to Mississippi with childhood sweetheart, Jimmie Estella Gray, on February 25, 1949. Bob and his new bride soon relocated to Mishawaka in search of work. It was in Mishawaka that his four children were born, Michael Steven (Deb) Woody of Liberty Center, OH, Marsha (Mark) Vincent of Jimtown, Kevin Woody and Michele Woody, both of Mishawaka. Bob had six grandchildren, Amanda (Gary) Fall, Cody Vincent, Dustin Woody, Colton Vincent, Carly Vincent and Lucy Vogel Woody; three step-grandchildren, Kristine, Keith and Katherine Bleim. He also had two great-grandchildren, Keegan and Kendall Fall; and step-great-grandchildren, Gage Stultz and Keegan Banks. Bobby found work in several local factories such as Ball Band, Miles Laboratories and finally retiring from Dodge Manufacturing where he worked on the dock for many years. An avid outdoorsman, Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing and often took his young sons along. He enjoyed camping with his entire family, and together they visited many states in their RV. Bob was a quiet man, which was often mistaken for gruffness, but he was as tender inside as a marshmallow. While he was a man of few words, his heart spoke volumes through the generous ways he attended to the needs of his family. Bob loved his automobiles, often getting a new one every few years; he could many times be found sitting on his porch stoop "watching the cars go by," most likely sizing them all up for his next new purchase. Bob was an animal lover and all animals loved him back. He will be sorely missed by his dog, Leena (Poopy-doop), as well as all his children's pets. Visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, in the Bubb Funeral Home, located at 3910 North Main Street, Mishawaka. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Sept. 25, in the funeral home, where friends called one hour before services. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka, following graveside services. Memorial contributions may be made to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL; or to Good Shepherd Montessori School Inc., South Bend.